Swindon, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom
Northampton, United Kingdom
Overview
As Sustainability Strategy Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of a portfolio‑wide sustainability strategy, translating ESG goals into clear, actionable plans that drive measurable improvements across a large, multi‑site estate. You will take ownership of sustainability performance, governance and reporting, ensuring compliance with key regulations such as MEES, IFRS and TCFD, while embedding robust systems, policies and data processes. Working closely with senior stakeholders and supply chain partners, you will deliver initiatives across energy, water, waste and carbon reduction, manage significant budgets, and influence decision‑making at all levels to achieve long‑term environmental and business value.
This role carries significant responsibility, including oversight of approximately £30m in budgets, and requires strong commercial awareness, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to influence at all levels.
We are happy to consider flexible working approaches to help you perform at your best. At Nationwide we offer hybrid working wherever possible. More rewarding relationships are supported through our hybrid approach, bringing colleagues together across our UK‑wide estate, whilst also supporting generous access to home working. We value our time in the office to solve problems, to learn, and to feel connected.
For this job, you’ll spend at least two days per week, or if part‑time, you’ll spend 40% of your working time, based at either our Swindon, Northampton or London office.
While these locations are where we are primarily looking to fill the role, if you’re an internal applicant based in a different location, we would welcome your application and if successful, your hiring manager will provide further details on how this could work for this specific role.
Nationwide is committed to the redeployment of our employees impacted by change, as such applications for redeployment candidates will be prioritised in this recruitment process. If you’re a colleague on long‑term absence (for example, on parental leave) or a temporary worker, please use your personal email address to submit an application.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll take the lead in shaping and delivering the sustainability strategy across the property portfolio, turning ESG goals into clear, practical actions with defined ownership. You’ll keep a close eye on performance, analysing and reporting progress, and making sure all internal and external reporting – including updates at board level – is accurate and on track.
You’ll play a key role in driving improvements across energy, water, waste and carbon, working with suppliers and using tools like energy modelling and lifecycle analysis to identify opportunities. You’ll also make sure everything stays aligned with key regulations such as MEES, IFRS and TCFD, while embedding strong policies, data standards and recognised frameworks like BREEAM, WELL or LEED.
At the same time, you’ll build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and partners, influencing decisions, managing complex contracts and helping to create a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across sustainability.
About you
- Strong understanding of sustainability legislation, reporting standards and ESG frameworks (e.g. MEES, IFRS, TCFD), alongside familiarity with certifications such as BREEAM, WELL or LEED
- Experience managing sustainability performance through data, KPIs and regulatory requirements, with strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and communicate complex data
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels, including delivering clear and effective board‑level reporting
- Proven ability to manage budgets, supplier relationships and complex contracts, combined with strong organisational and planning skills to deliver strategic initiatives at pace
- A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset with strong critical thinking skills, able to operate with autonomy, manage complexity, and drive continuous improvement with a passion for sustainability
Benefits
- Access to private medical insurance
- A highly competitive pension to help you build a strong foundation for retirement
- Access to an annual performance‑related bonus
- Training and development to help you progress your career
- A great selection of additional benefits through our salary sacrifice scheme
- Life assurance to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones in the event of your death
- Wellhub – access to a range of free and paid options for health and wellness
- Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year
